Passages

compiled by Rev. Susan Murphy

Anita J. Arsenault, 89, a resident of Sanford passed away Monday, June 3, 2024, at Maine Medical Center in Biddeford following a period of failing health.  Anita was born in Sanford, on September 7, 1934, the daughter of Azade E. Arsenault Sr. and Rachel Lapointe Arsenault. She attended local schools and graduated from Sanford High School. Following her graduation, she took a position with New England Telephone, as an operator and over the course of her employment, she held several positions, including Supervisor and Trainer. She retired at the young age of 48, following 30 years with the Telephone Company to care for her mother, Rachel and brother, Junior. She was known for her impeccable attire including her vivid red lipstick, and perfectly styled hair. Anita loved to travel with her cousin, Carmen. Some of her favorite trips were to France, New Orleans, and Banff in Alberta, Canada. Anita is predeceased by her siblings, Azade “Junior” Arsenault Jr, Gerald “Jerry” Arsenault, Doris Palmer Arsenault, and Theresa Collette Arsenault. Survivors include several nieces and nephews, several great nieces and nephews, and her close friend, Maria Algarin. A graveside service, time to be announced, will be held at St. Ignatius Cemetery. Read her full obituary at https://memorials.bibbersautumngreen.com/anita-arsenault/5441468/index.php

Rodney D. Brackett, 79, of Sanford, Maine went home to be with his Lord on Friday, June 7, 2024. Rodney was born in Farmington, Maine, on January 17, 1945, the son of Switzer and Geneva (Guptill) Brackett. He was a graduate of Sanford High School and played basketball and football. There he developed a special life-long friendship with his best friend, Jerome Bshara. Rod went on to have a successful career in car sales. Among many of the roles Rodney held during his life, his fondest were that of Assistant Call Fire Chief of the Sanford Fire Department, serving as Deacon at The First Baptist Church on Main Street, and working at Arundel Ford. His proudest roles, however, were that of husband, father, and grandfather. Rodney loved his wife, Diane deeply. They traveled often and enjoyed watching women’s basketball (“Go UCONN”), eating ice-cream for Sunday dinner, visiting family, gardening, and praying together. Rod was an adoring father and grandfather. Rodney leaves behind a legacy of love for his family and the community in which he lived. He will be remembered as a man of faith, loving, impatient at times, eternally optimistic, loyal, kind, intuitive, resilient, and tremendously generous of spirit. Rodney is survived by his wife, Diane (Morissette) Brackett; his children, Ann (Richard) Thayer of Sanford, John Kieffer of Sanford, Amy (Shawn) McEwen of Kennebunk and Jonathan (Dawn) Brackett of Sanford; his four siblings Rev. Dr. Linwood (CeCe) Welch of Rockland, Carol Ann (Paul) Bartlett of Hudson, NH, Alvin (Susan) Brackett of Sanford and Wade (Sharon) Brackett of Sanford; his 10 grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and his long-time friends Jerome Bshara, Lawrence Furbish, Richard Ricker, Perley Yeaton and many others. Visiting hours were held on June 12 at Carll-Heald and Black Funeral Home. A funeral service was held at the Sanford First Baptist Church on Thursday, June 13. Read his full obituary at

https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/rodney-brackett

Philip J. Fortier, 85, of Sanford, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 28, at his home. Phil was born in Sanford on August 4, 1938, the son of Alex and Rosa (Rouleau) Fortier. He was a graduate of St. Ignatius High School and he served in the United States Army. He spent many years as a machinist working for Simplex, Nichols, and finally Pratt &Whitney, where he ultimately moved from machining to quality control inspection. He loved traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family. He belonged to the Holy Family choir and compiled a history of the church that was published in 1984 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the new church. Mr. Fortier was predeceased by his wife, Stella Fortier in 2020, and his son, Brian in 1979. Phil is survived by his sons, Scott and Steven of Sanford, Alan of Richmond, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Thérèse of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church at 10:00 am on Thursday, June 27, 2024, with burial to follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery. Read his full obituary at https://blackfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/philip-fortier.